You have a budget in place! Great! Now, how to buy groceries with an envelope (ask if you do not know what envelopes are for) and limited cash! Buying groceries is a game, a challenge I found when trying to limit my weekly spending and stay in budget. I just wanted to discuss some things I found when TRYING to save money on groceries.
You must use coupons, sales and look for in store bargains. This takes time and work. Sorry to say, you cannot just run into the store and save money. That is what the stores are counting on, you are in a hurry and need food.
Some stores post the weekly ad online, so sign up to have it delivered to your email. Also, sign up for their digital coupons. YOU CANNOT GET THE FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY SPECIALS WITHOUT THE DIGITAL COUPON. I cannot tell you how many men asked me that in the store how to get the sale price, and then said "well, forget it".
So, here's my pet peeve with a large chain grocery store--First thing I found is that the cashier/checker is supposed to be fast, NOT ACCURATE. So if you have items with stickers and reduced prices or bananas that are marked down, you need to watch these closely!! You will end up paying full price for ripe bananas. I do not expect to get bananas that will be over-ripe tomorrow at full price.
Next thing I found is that the buy 10 QUALIFYING items and get $5.00 off sometimes $10.00 off is a game. I have done this, (or attempted to do this) intentionally counted the items, check out and notice at the bottom of the receipt that it tells you the number of qualifying items and mine was 9 this time, not 10. NO EXTRA DISCOUNT. :(
So, go stand in line at the customer service desk and get your money back. Most people will not do this or just simply do not notice they got cheated. Plain and simple.
If the item has a sticker, you need to watch it. It too may ring up full price. Again, speed not accuracy. Have you tried to follow the prices on the computer screen during the checkout process? How about at the end when the discounts come off? Again, you are getting your money out and may have children with you during this chaos. You cannot possibly be sure that all is correct.
THE SOLUTION: (FOR ME)
I CHECK OUT MY OWN STUFF..... I TAKE AS LONG AS IT TAKES. I DO NOT GET IN A HURRY. I DO NOT CARE WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON.
YES, I hear you!! I don't work there-----But! I really do a better job, do it right, and never have to stand in the customer service line! If I have a question I ask right there. In this one store I usually go in and get their specials and bargains and leave anyway.
Oh, and yes, another post will be pickup! After finishing at this store, I head to the big box store I love and pickup my stuff that is ready! Just click on the APP that I am on my way!! HA HA. No extra charge, I used the APP to choose the items and paid for them, BOOM done. They inform me that my order is ready!!
I get it, people do not have a lot of time, but I have found the best way for me to budget and save, not only money but time. Use this as a guide to find your way too. Hope this is helpful.
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